Russia urges UN to call for a 'humanitarian pause' in Yemen to help those caught in fighting

Jordanian Ambassador to the United Nations Dina Kawar speaks to reporters outside a Security Council consultation Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters. Saudi Arabia is ready to discuss Russia’s proposition to introduce pauses in air strikes on Yemen for delivering humanitarian aid and evacuating civilians. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
(The Associated Press)

Yemenis search for survivors in the rubble of houses destroyed by Saudi-led airstrikes in a village near Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, April 4, 2015. Since their advance began last year, the Shiite rebels, known as Houthis have overrun Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and several provinces, forcing the country’s beleaguered President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to flee the country. The Saudi-led coalition continued to carry out intensive airstrikes overnight and early Saturday morning targeting Houthi positions. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
(The Associated Press)

Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the United Nations Abdallah Y. Al-Mouallimi, center, speaks to reporters outside a Security Council consultation Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the United Nations headquarters. Saudi Arabia is ready to discuss Russia’s proposition to introduce pauses in air strikes on Yemen for delivering humanitarian aid and evacuating civilians. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
(The Associated Press)

UNITED NATIONS – Russia is urging the U.N. Security Council to call for a "humanitarian pause" in the conflict in Yemen to help diplomats and civilians caught in the fighting between Shiite rebels and supporters of the country's beleaguered president.

Russia called an emergency meeting of the council on Saturday and diplomats said it circulated a draft resolution seeking a break in fighting on humanitarian grounds.

Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told reporters as he headed into the closed meeting that a pause is "very important" to help diplomats and civilians caught in the war.

Britain's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Peter Wilson expressed regret for any civilian casualties but said Britain continues to support Saudi-led military action against Houthi Shiite rebels.

Houthi advances in southern Yemen have created turmoil in the country.